Tarleton State made the move to the FCS level in 2020 and made waves with some impressive performances. The Texans have upset New Mexico State and have achieved back-to-back winning records at the FCS level.
The Texans return a lot of talent entering the 2022 season, but the wide receiver position was extremely thin after the 2021 season. Seniors Tariq Bitson & J.F. Thomas combined for over 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns last season, but both are off to the next level. The Texans are left with only 2 WRs (Kaylon Horton & Dray Roberson) with over 200 yards last season.
The Texans landed a major addition when former Montana State WR Jaden Smith announced his commitment last week.
Committed! #AGTG pic.twitter.com/ofo7qdAoAC
— Jaden Smith (@jaden_a_smith) May 21, 2022
Smith started at the “X”position for the Bobcats throughout the 2021 regular season and saw action during the run to the FCS Championship against North Dakota State. Smith finished the 2021 season with 12 catches for 126 receiving yards. As a freshman in 2019 Smith caught one pass against Southern Utah, which was a 47-yard touchdown catch.
Smith was a 3-star prospect out of Kennedale, TX and ranked as a top-270 WR in the class of 2019. He was an integral part of Kennedale High School winning three straight district championships and making the 2017 state title game. In 2017, Smith caught 21 passes for over 400 yards and 4 touchdowns. He committed to Montana State over Howard, Navy, & Seton Hill in August of 2018.
Tarleton State has now landed two impact wide receivers in the past week. Former SWAC Freshman of the Year DeJuan Miller also announced his commitment to Tarleton State last week. The Texans return All-WAC selection Steven Duncan at the QB position and now have surrounded the talented QB with multiple high-level weapons.
Tarleton State opens their season on September 1st against Mississippi Valley State before traveling to face TCU in Fort Worth, TX. The Texans & Dixie State (Utah Tech) have started a push to be eligible for the FCS postseason, which could make the 2022 season extremely important. The Texans have reloaded and could be a team to watch going into the 2022 season.
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